NCDA&CS
Plant Industry Division
Annual Report
2016
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
2
Table of Contents
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................... 3
LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................................... 4
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES ..................................... 5
NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF AGRICULTURE ............................................................................................. 5
CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................ 6
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICES SECTION ............................................. 7
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: PLANT PROTECTION SECTION ................................................................................. 8
Apiary Inspection Program ................................................................................................................................... 9
Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) Program ......................................................................................... 26
CAPS Surveys ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Farm Bill Surveys ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Entomological Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Nursery Certification Program ............................................................................................................................. 55
Phytosanitary Certification Program/ 2016 Export Certification Program .......................................................... 57
Plant Conservation Program ............................................................................................................................... 59
Plant Pathology Program .................................................................................................................................... 69
VEGETABLE PLANT INSPECTIONS .............................................................................................................. 76
Regulatory Weed Program ................................................................................................................................. 77
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SEED AND FERTILIZER SECTION .......................................................................... 103
Seed and Fertilizer Field Programs .................................................................................................................... 103
N.C. Seed Laboratory ........................................................................................................................................ 105
Joint Collaboration with USDA, Biotechnology Regulatory Services ................................................................. 107
North Carolina Seed Board ............................................................................................................................... 107
North Carolina Tobacco Variety Evaluation Program ........................................................................................ 107
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Biosurveillance conducted for pest Buprestidae at known sites of Cerceris fumipennis ............ 15
Table 2 New Survey/Re-Survey for Cerceris fumipennis for nests in 2016 ............................................. 15
Table 3 Site information for Pseudacteon releases ................................................................................... 19
Table 4 Releases of Rhinoncomimus latipes in North Carolina by year. ................................................. 24
Table 5 Total number of trapping locations by county for the 2016 oak commodity survey ................... 28
Table 6 Total number of dissections for old world bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) ............................ 32
Table 7 Summary of the 2016 sweet potato weevil field surveys in NC. ................................................. 36
Table 8 2015 EGM survey results in North Carolina by county. ............................................................. 42
Table 9 2016 gypsy moth mating disruption treatment rate, site location, and acreage. .......................... 46
Table 10 2016 IFA Survey Results ........................................................................................................... 51
Table 11 2016 NC Imported Fire Ant blitzes summary ............................................................................ 52
Table 12. 2016 reported cotton acreage in North Carolina by county. ..................................................... 53
Table 13. 2016 Number of cotton gin surveyed by county. ...................................................................... 53
Table 14 Entomological quarantine summary for North Carolina in 2016. ............................................. 54
Table 15 Number of North Carolina nursery and nursery dealer licenses by yearw ................................. 55
Table 16 Number of phytosanitary certificates issued through the PCIT1 system2 .................................. 58
Table 17 Plant Conservation Program RLA Projects ............................................................................... 61
Table 18 Walnut Twig Beetle trap locations and sample collection dates. .............................................. 71
Table 19 Known Giant Hogweed sites in Watauga County. .................................................................... 85
Table 20 Known Itchgrass sites located in Rowland, NC Robeson County. 2017. .................................. 87
Table 21 Purple loosestrife sites and acreages treated near Winston-Salem, NC. .................................... 90
Table 22 Purple loosestrife sites and acreages treated in Henderson County, NC. .................................. 91
Table 23 Tropical Soda Apple survey sites, Sampson County. ................................................................ 91
Table 24 Equipment Fumigations and Inspections at Cherry Farms, 2016 .............................................. 92
Table 25 Tropical Spiderwort quarantine visitor sign-ins and wash station log, 2016. ............................ 93
Table 26 Total Acreage Status for the Witchweed Eradication Program ................................................. 97
Table 27 Additional Statistics for the Witchweed Eradication Program .................................................. 98
Table 28 Infested Acreage by Point Value and County for 2015 and 2016. ............................................ 98
Table 29 Number of Infested Farms and Fields by County for 2015 and 2016. ...................................... 99
Table 30 Summary of Treated Acreage by Crop Type for 2015 and 2016 ............................................. 100
Table 31 Summary of Acres by Treatment Type for 2015 and 2016. .................................................... 101
Table 32 Summary of Surveyed Acreage for 2015 and 2016. ................................................................ 102
Table 33 Number of Farms and Fields by Point for each Officer. .......................................................... 102
Table 34 Seed and Fertilizer Program Inspection and Regulatory Activities, FY 2015-16 ................... 104
Table 35 Data of fertilizer samples analyzed for the current and previous fiscal years ......................... 104
Table 36 Data of lime and landplaster samples analyzed for current and previous fiscal years. ............ 105
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Plant Industry FY 2015-16 Budget Summary .............................................................................. 7
Figure 2 European honey bee ...................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3 Dead hemlock trees in Linville Gorge, NC 2012. ...................................................................... 16
Figure 4 Sticky trap for capturing phorid flies. ......................................................................................... 18
Figure 5 Mile-a-Minute vine overgrowing other vegetation. ................................................................... 21
Figure 6. Mile-a-Minute infestations in North Carolina. .......................................................................... 22
Figure 7 Alleghaney County weevil releases and dispersal. ..................................................................... 23
Figure 8 2016 CAPS survey sites ............................................................................................................. 27
Figure 9 2016 Asian defoliators survey sites for North Carolina. ............................................................ 30
Figure 10 2016 Grape Commodity survey locations for North Carolina.................................................. 31
Figure 11 2016 Solanaceous survey locations for North Carolina. .......................................................... 33
Figure 12 2016 Phytophthoras survey locations for North Carolina. ....................................................... 34
Figure 13 Sweet potato weevil traps. ........................................................................................................ 38
Figure 14 Sweet potato weevil quarantine area delimiting grids. ............................................................. 39
Figure 15 North Carolina Gypsy Moth Program Boundaries 2016 .......................................................... 40
Figure 16 North Carolina gypsy moth trap catches in 2016. .................................................................... 41
Figure 17 2015 EGM treatment sites (red) along with delimiting grids and all other traps set. ............... 45
Figure 18 Gypsy moth quarantine in North Carolina shown in red. ......................................................... 47
Figure 19 Blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax): .................................................................................. 48
Figure 20 Blueberry maggot salt flotation test .......................................................................................... 49
Figure 21 Plant conservation preserve system .......................................................................................... 60
Figure 22 American ginseng root .............................................................................................................. 63
Figure 23 Cogongrass quarantine site in Scotland County after Imazapyr herbicide was sprayed. ......... 83
Figure 24 Methyl Bromide fumigation at Wake Med Soccer Park. ......................................................... 83
Figure 25 Wake County Cogongrass quarantine site after herbicide and Methyl Bromide treatment. .... 84
Figure 26 DEQ employees apply herbicide using an air boat to yellow floating heart in New Bern. ...... 84
Figure 27 Herbicide spray results on yellow floating heart in the Carolina Pines Golf Course ............... 85
Figure 28 NCDOT employee spraying herbicide for Itchgrass control, March 2016. ............................. 87
Figure 29. NCDOT signs posted at each itchgrass site, March 2015. ...................................................... 88
Figure 30 Confirmed reports of Mile-A-Minute Vine in North Carolina, 2016. ...................................... 88
Figure 31 NCDA&CS employees inspects MAM weevil feeding in Guilford County, June 2015. ........ 88
Figure 32 Quarantined counties where movement and sale of Oriental Bittersweet is allowed............... 89
Figure 33 Glyphosate applied to a population of Wooly Frog's Mouth in Pender County. ...................... 94
Figure 34 Applying ethylene to a field formerly flooded for duck hunting.............................................. 95
Figure 35 NCDA&CS Witchweed staff, Bladen County, September 2015. ............................................ 96
Figure 36 Seed Laboratory official tests. ................................................................................................ 106
Figure 37 Seed Laboratory service tests. ................................................................................................ 106
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER
SERVICES
Steve Troxler
Commissioner of Agriculture
Chairman, Board of Agriculture
North Carolina Board of Agriculture
Maurice Berry Ben Shelton Anne Faircloth James Lambeth Mark Peters John Carter
Jeffrey Turner Faylene Whitaker Doug Boyd Tommy Burleson Bob Sutter
Mission Statement
The mission of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services is to provide services that promote and
improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect
consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural
resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Commissioner and Executive Staff
Steve Troxler Commissioner (919) 707-3000
N. David Smith Chief Deputy Commissioner (919) 707-3033
Joe Reardon Assistant Commissioner (919) 707-3009
Dr. Richard Reich Assistant Commissioner (919) 707-3015
Scott Bissette Assistant Commissioner (919) 857-4844
Director and Administrative Staff
Vernon N. Cox Division Director (919) 707-3732
Phil Wilson Plant Protection Section Administrator (919) 707-3753
Brian Bowers Seed and Fertilizer Section Administrator (919) 707-3735
Elizabeth Heath Administrative Officer II (919) 707-3731
Plant Industry Division
Plant Industry Division Web Site: http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/
Facilities:
Plant Industry Division-Administrative Offices and N.C. Seed Laboratory
Physical Address: 216 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Mailing Address: 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1060
Support Operations
Physical Address: 1013 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
Mailing Address: 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1060
Biological Control Services
Physical Address: 950 East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Mailing Address: 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1060
Witchweed Program Facilities
Physical Address: 450 Smith Circle, Room 108, Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Mailing Address: Same as above
Physical Address: Agri-Expo Center, 301 Mountain Dr., Rm. 204, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Mailing Address: Same as above
Physical Address: O.P. Owens Agric. Center, 405 Country Club Dr. Lumberton, NC 28358
Mailing Address: Same as above
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
SECTION
The NCDA&CS state authorized budget for 2015-16 was $5,850,180 and included a total staff of 84
full-time employees. The Plant Industry Division continued its work with other organizations, both
public and private, through the administration of cooperative agreements. For the period, approximately
$1,941,557 in cooperative agreements was received and administered for work with joint plant pest
regulatory programs. Figure 1 provides a summary of the Plant Industry budget for the 2015-16 fiscal
year.
The Plant Industry Division, Support Operations Unit provides support for all the division’s programs,
including staff and maintenance of Division owned vehicles and other equipment needed for all service
and regulatory programs. This unit also assists the Division with the implementation of safety/seasonal
orientation.
Plant Protection State
Appropriations
$3,192,092 (41%)
Plant Protection
Program Fees
$781,596 (10%)
Federal and other
Grant Funds
$1,941,557 (25%)
Seed
and
Fertilizer
State
Appropriations
$883,585(11%)
Seed and Fertilizer
Program Fees
$981,454 (13%)
Plant Protection State
Appropriations
Plant Protection Program
Fees
Federal Funds
Seed and Fertilizer State
Appropriations
Seed and Fertilizer
Program Fees
Total Budget:
$7,780,284
Figure 1 Plant Industry FY 2015-16 Budget Summary
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS: PLANT PROTECTION SECTION
The mission of the Plant Protection Section is to enhance the quality of life in North Carolina by protecting
agriculture and the environment from injurious plant pests, by promoting beneficial organisms, and by
protecting rare native plants of the state.
We serve the people of North Carolina by:
• Protecting agricultural crops, horticultural crops and native flora, by preventing or controlling the
invasion and spread of injurious insects, plant pathogens, weeds, and other pests of regulatory concern.
• Protecting honey bees by combating the spread of bee pathogens.
• Responding to constantly changing threats to crops, rare native plants, and honey bees by drafting
effective and reasonable regulations and by achieving public compliance.
• Supporting agriculture, horticulture and related industries by providing inspection and export services
to facilitate the movement of regulated commodities.
• Protecting rare native plants by restoring their habitats, and by propagating and restoring them to the
wild.
• Promoting beneficial organisms that serve as biological controls of pest species.
• Providing outstanding service and satisfaction to all our clients.
North Carolina has an extremely wide range of climate, from near tropical along the southeast coast to
winter conditions similar to southern Canada in our higher mountains in the west. Such diversity provides
suitable environments for an extremely diverse flora and fauna. Extensive international air and sea
transportation, both military and commercial, and an extensive Interstate Highway System increase the
potential for the accidental introduction of pest organisms into North Carolina. Therefore, North
Carolina’s Plant Protection Section programs must deal with a wide range of organisms and host-pest
interactions.
Major program activities for the period January 1 through December 31, 2016 are described in the
following reports.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Apiary Inspection Program
The primary mission of the Apiary Inspection
Service is to maintain a viable beekeeping
industry and ensure the productivity of North
Carolina’s diverse agriculture. The North
Carolina beekeeping industry continues to
remain viable and is expanding, particularly with
new hobby beekeepers. Our inspectors assist
beekeepers through field inspections, educational
meetings and field days, and attempt to be
available to assist the beekeepers in any way
necessary. Our goal is to further improve our
overall inspections and ultimately, to reduce the
rate of honey bee disease and pest problems.
To protect the health of our honey bee industry, permits to sell bees are required for anyone wishing to
sell queens, package bees, nucs, or hives. In 2016, 105 permits were issued to sellers in-state and 16 to
out of state dealers. To obtain a permit, bees must be inspected and the producers must agree to comply
with standards designed to maintain healthy colonies. Beekeepers are strongly encouraged to buy only
from permitted dealers so as to avoid buying unhealthy or Africanized honey bees. The permit list can
be found at: http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/Plant/apiary/documents/PermitToSell2017.pdf.
One of the most devastating and difficult to control bee diseases is American foulbrood (AFB). It still
appears that our AFB incidence is below 1%. We have maintained the Special Local Need 24(c)
registration for the ethylene oxide (EtO) fumigation chamber, as well as a source for the EtO formulation.
We are currently providing decontamination services to the beekeepers of North Carolina with the
chamber, and it is our belief that it is a valuable tool in controlling AFB as well as other serious pests and
diseases.
The mite Varroa destructor persists as a major threat to the beekeeping industry in NC and is probably a
contributing factor to general poor health or mortality of bee colonies. Several new miticides have been
registered; however, the mites have developed resistance to some of these materials in short order and
rendered these products ineffective. Currently, the list of registered products for Varroa control in North
Carolina includes Apistan®, CheckMite+®, Api-Life Var®, Apiguard®, Mite-Away Quick Strips®,
Apivar®, oxalic acid (specifically labeled for bees), and HopGuard®. All of the aforementioned products
are listed in North Carolina as Section 3 general use pesticides. Although chemical treatment of mites may
be necessary, some miticides have been demonstrated to have adverse effects on bees. The growing use
of unregistered materials may have adverse effects on honey bee health and may not be efficacious in
controlling mites. This and, in some cases, the improper use of antibiotics to control diseases can further
complicate useful treatment regimes.
Beekeepers are expressing concerns about pesticides, particularly the neonicotinoids. Bee yards can be
registered through the Plant Industry Division. The list of registered yards is sent to Aerial Applicators
licensed in North Carolina. For more information about registering, see:
http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/Plant/apiary/documents/BS2ApiaryRegistrationForm01-2017.pdf.
Figure 2 European honey bee
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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The NCDA&CS Apiary Inspectors have developed a good working relationship with the Structural Pest
and Pesticides Division of the Department. The Pesticide Division responds to reports of acute bee losses
and follows up according to the evidence. If a pesticide problem is suspected, timely reporting to an
Apiary Inspector or the Pesticide Section is crucial for a valid investigation and resolution. Apiary
personnel have collected pollen samples from colonies suspected to be suffering sublethal effects of
exposure to neonicotinoids. To date, the samples have contained no detectable levels of these chemicals.
The Structural Pest Control and Pesticide Division and the Plant Industry Division are working with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan.
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) remains a major topic of discussion among beekeepers. The press
coverage has highlighted the value of honey bees to a broader audience and raised awareness of their
importance. Our inspectors have seen colonies that share many of the symptoms attributed to CCD, but
due to the restricted parameters described as symptoms of CCD, this disorder has not yet been documented
in North Carolina. This is not to say that it has not occurred here, but we still have not seen evidence
specifically attributable to this condition. Most of the colonies we have inspected that show symptoms
correlating to CCD reveal evidence of high mite loads or other familiar disorders.
Another threat facing the beekeeping industry of North Carolina is the establishment of Africanized honey
bees (AHB) (Apis mellifera scutellata) in southern Florida (and finds in Georgia). We are maintaining
swarm traps at the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City in order to intercept any bees coming in via
ship. We hope to expand this trapping system to some of our land-based points of entry. We continue to
engage in an outreach program to North Carolina emergency response personnel to familiarize them with
the potential threat of AHB. We are actively collecting samples of bees (particularly those from colonies
with overly defensive behavior) to determine their geographic origin and their propensity for this behavior.
The NCDA&CS and North Carolina State University are collaborating in conducting this survey. At this
time, none of the samples collected have been determined to be of the AHB type. We are striving to have
our inspectors and our lab prepared to deal with any AHB incursion or incident. We encourage
beekeepers and the general public to please let us know of any colonies that seem to be displaying
any unusual behavior, especially excessive defensiveness. We want to maintain a beekeeping
industry in North Carolina that is not threatened by the reputation of this more defensive type of
bee.
We continue to enjoy a good working relationship with our friends in the North Carolina State
University Apiculture Research and Extension Program. We have had the opportunity to assist them in
some of their projects and would like to express our gratitude for their assistance in many of our
projects.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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The Apiary Inspection Program is based at the Beneficial Insects Lab, and Glenn Hackney, Research
Specialist maintains a lab at that location. Other Apiary staff are based at their homes across the state.
During 2016, the inspectors were: Greg Farris, western Piedmont; Nancy Ruppert, Sandhills; Will Hicks,
central counties; Adolphus Leonard, Coastal Plain; Lewis Cauble, mountain territory; and Don Hopkins,
State Apiarist and Apiary Inspection Supervisor.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Biological Control Programs
Cerceris fumipennis and
Prey
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Imported Fire Ant and
Phorid Fly
Mile-A-Minute Vine Weevil
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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The mission of the biological control program is to manage exotic pests using ecologically-based methods.
We focus on classical biocontrol, reuniting exotic pests with the natural enemies that keep them below
damaging levels in their home ranges. Although we are primarily an implementation program, conducting
these projects requires research to ascertain the appropriateness of releasing biological control agents or
to follow up on agents released. Currently, our projects focus on a variety of exotic insects and weeds, and
involve laboratory rearing of insects, field releases of natural enemies, and surveying. Our quarantine
facility remains useful to our division as well as to outside cooperators as a secure space for research and
monitoring of pests. Personnel working in the program during 2016 included Kathleen Kidd, Former
Biological Control Administrator (retired September, 2016), Steven Turner, newly hired Biological
Control Administrator (hired December 2016), Christine Nalepa, Research Specialist, and Nancy
Oderkirk, Research Specialist and safety officer.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Implementation of Cerceris fumipennis as a Biosurveillance Tool for
Pest Buprestidae in North Carolina during 2016
The solitary ground nesting wasp Cerceris fumipennis continues to be utilized as a biosurveillance tool
for the efficient collection of pest buprestid beetles in Canada and in several locations in the eastern and
central United States. In 2016 studies of the wasp in North Carolina were continued in partnership with
the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS); we conducted biosurveillance and surveyed for new
sites between 12 May and 20 August 2016.
Biosurveillance was conducted in 11 established sites in 10 counties (Table 1). A total of 594 beetles were
collected (591 during biosurveillance and an additional 3 during surveys – Table 2). The first beetle
collected was in Robeson Co. on 1 June and last beetle taken was on 7 July in Franklin Co. About 19% of
collected beetles were in the genus of interest Agrilus; those Agrilus identified to species include A.
bilineatus, ferrisi, lecontei, ruficollis, vittaticollis, and the emerald ash borer (EAB) A. planipennis.
Species level identification is still pending for 180 beetles.
Emerald ash borer was brought back to the nest by C. fumipennis in four sites. Two of these (Sites #7 and
11 - Table 1) were new county records (Swain, Yancey) for the pest. EAB comprised 13.2% of the beetles
collected in the Swain Co. site, and 15.2% of the beetles in the Yancey Co. site. In the other two sites
(Sites #2 and 10 -Table 1) EAB was already known to be in the county; nonetheless it was the first time
that EAB was collected from wasps at these nesting aggregations. Biosurveillance was conducted at the
Franklin Co. site where wasps first collected EAB in 2015 (Site #4 – Table 1). EAB was not found among
the 78 beetles collected there in 2016.
During surveys for nesting aggregations of the wasp, one new site with C. fumipennis nests (Site #10 -
Table 2) was found in Buncombe Co. Resurveys of previously productive sites resulted in three additional
sites likely appropriate for biosurveillance in 2017 (Sites #11, 12, 15 – Table 2).
An additional reported aggregation in Transylvania Co. (Site #14 – Table 2) was scouted but was
determined to be an aggregation of Cerceris halone, a weevil-hunting wasp. This wasp has an appearance
and nest similar to that of C. fumipennis and typically nests in comparable areas.
A manuscript on the collection of EAB at the Franklinton site in 2015 was submitted and has been accepted
for publication:
Nalepa, C.A., R.S. Norris and W.G. Swink. 2017. Collection of emerald ash borer by Cerceris
fumipennis in North Carolina: case study at one nesting site. Journal of Entomological Science
(in press).
Sue Dial, Jarred Driscoll, Larry Green, Mike Hodges, Heidi Humlicek, Kathleen Kidd, Alan Larkins,
Christine Nalepa, Nancy Oderkirk, Michelle Shooter, and Whitney Swink participated in the program by
conducting biosurveillance, scouting new sites, identifying beetles and/or training participants.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Table 1 Biosurveillance conducted for pest Buprestidae at known sites of Cerceris fumipennis
Site
#
County Site Name Total
Buprestidae
EAB? Dates EAB
Collected
1 Alamance McCray 54 -
2 Buncombe Vance Elementary 55 6 13, 14 June
3 Franklin Luddy Park 49 -
4 Franklin Franklinton Park 78 -
5 Gaston Aaron Moss, Cherryville 38 -
6 Robeson Bradford Pool 31 -
7 Swain Swain Recreational Park 68 9 19, 20 June
8 Surry Meadowview Middle School 24
9 Wake Lake Lynn 64 -
10 Wayne Faith Christian Academy 84 3 2, 4, 9 June
11 Yancey Mtn Heritage High School 46 7 27, 28, 29 June
TOTAL 591 25
Table 2 New Survey/Re-Survey for Cerceris fumipennis for nests in 2016
Site Dates
Surveyed
Results
1 Robeson 6 – 2012; Sycamore Park 12 May 0 nests
2 Robeson 12 – 2012; St. Pauls 12 May 0 nests
3 Brunswick 1 – 2016; Leland Middle School 19 May 0 nests
4 Brunswick 2 – 2016; Mary S. Jenkins Park 19 May 0 nests
5 Brunswick 3 – 2016; Town Creek Elementary 19 May 0 nests
6 New Hanover 1 – 2010; Maides Park 26 May;
1, 30 Jun
0, 0, 0 nests
7 New Hanover 14 – 2010; Optimist Park 26 May;
1, 30 Jun
1, 0, 0 nests
8 New Hanover 19 – 2010; Wilmington Christian
Acad
26 May Field gone
9 New Hanover 22 – 2010; Emma Trask Middle
School
26 May 0 nests
10 Buncombe 33 – 2016; Black Mtn Vets’s Park 21 June 12–24 nests; 3
drops
11 Alamance 22 – 2014; Hawfield’s Middle School 6 July 10 nests on field 2
12 Caswell 1 – 2012; Bartlett Yancey HS 6 July 10 nests
13 Orange 8 – 2016; Cedar Grove Ruritan Club 6 July 0 nests
14 Transylvania 1 – 2016; Cascade Lake 7 July > 70 nests C.
halone
15 Polk 2 – 2011; Mill Spring 12 July 5, 17 nests
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
16
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Predator Rearing
The primary objective for this project was for NCDA&CS to operate a large-scale central rearing facility
to provide biological control agents for the management of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA).
Sasajiscymnus tsugae (St), native to Japan has been in mass production at the lab since December 2002.
The current colony originated from beetles supplied by Patrick Parkman of the Lindsay Young Beneficial
Insect Lab of the University of Tennessee.
The hemlock woolly adelgid is now
ubiquitous throughout the native range of
the eastern and Carolina hemlock species.
Hemlock is widespread in National and
State Forests and Parks, and the loss of the
hemlock is causing major changes to the
ecology of those areas. In addition to a
loss of a unique ecosystem, dead and
dying trees are a safety hazard in
recreation areas, as well as aesthetically
unattractive. Although targeted chemical
control measures are recommended for
specimen trees, control with insecticides
is both technically complicated and
economically impractical in forest
settings. Because the hemlock stands and
HWA infestations are scattered over a
wide area, rearing and releasing large
numbers of predator beetles in carefully-selected areas is preferred to relying on long-range natural spread.
To date, rearing facilities supported by the USDA-FS have provided these agents for coordinated releases
in the southeastern United States.
Predatory beetles native to regions where the adelgid occurs naturally are well synchronized with the
lifecycle of the adelgid. The adelgid becomes dormant for the summer as early stage settled nymphs, and
in response, the beetles also enter a period of reproductive dormancy. At the end of their aestivation
period in western North Carolina, when the adelgids begin to mature and prepare for oviposition, our team
collects hemlock boughs for storage in spring-like conditions to stimulate oviposition.
We follow a slightly modified rearing protocol developed originally at the Amalpi Beneficial Insect
Laboratory of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. To increase the colony, mating groups of 15
beetles (10 female, 5 male) are placed in gallon jars supplied with a bouquet of hemlock twigs and small
squares of gauze. Eggs (on the twigs and gauze) are removed weekly and put into rearing cages supplied
with adelgid-infested hemlock. Infested twigs, honey, and water are supplied periodically, and after 4
weeks, adult beetles are collected and moved into storage cages. Oviposition jars for the 2015-2016 season
were set up beginning 2 November 2015 with 24 jars. Oviposition concluded in early June 2016. A colony
of about 1500 beetles was maintained through the summer.
Figure 3 Dead hemlock trees in Linville Gorge, NC 2012.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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We maintained this year’s S. tsugae colony by collecting adelgid-infested hemlock from state parks in
western North Carolina about every three weeks. The beetles regularly oviposited high numbers of eggs,
but maturation rate remained low (around thirteen percent.) We regularly detected and removed naturally-occurring
predatory beetles and lacewing larvae from the collected hemlock branches, but found adult
lacewings on several occasions. Hence, predation by these occasional generalist predators probably
reduced our production numbers.
During the 2015-16 production season, an estimated 54,000 eggs were oviposited and 7200 S. tsugae
beetles were produced. Beetle production peaked in late February and early March. Our predator colony
was maintained primarily by Rebecca Fergus, Research Specialist ¾ time, through the production period.
Nancy Oderkirk assisted with collection of hemlock and rearing of an experimental colony of Scymnus
coniferarum beetles, then assumed all aspects of the project starting in August.
In 2016, we began development of a lab rearing protocol for the Conifer Lady Beetle, Scymnus
coniferarum, another potential biological control for HWA. Nancy Oderkirk is continuing that process,
and will test the suitability of the dietary supplement currently used with S. tsugae.
Also in 2016, we collaborated with USDA scientist Robert Hollingsworth to test the efficacies of various
entomopathigenic fungi on HWA. These studies are ongoing, with promising initial results.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Field Release and Monitoring of
Phorid Flies Pseudacteon spp for the Imported Fire Ant
Since the discovery of the imported fire ant (IFA) in NC in 1953 it has spread to approximately 90 out of
100 counties (NCDA&CS, 2013). In an effort to slow the spread and decrease population size, biological
control measures have been undertaken across the state. A complex of flies in the family Phoridae is
known to attack Solenopsis spp. ants in their native South America (Porter, 1998). The phorid fly,
sometimes referred to as the decapitating fly, lays individual eggs into worker ants while they forage or
defend their mounds. After hatching, the fly larva moves into the ant’s head to feed, and consumes soft
tissue, eventually resulting in the ant’s head falling off (Porter et al, 1995). When phorid flies are present,
ants decrease foraging to avoid the flies. Less foraging activity results in fewer ants and smaller and/or
fewer mounds, allowing native ants and other insects to better compete for resources (Mehdiabadi et al,
2004).
Releases. Since 2000, 4 species of phorid flies Pseudacteon tricuspis, P. curvatus, P. obtusus and P.
cultellatus have been released in 11 counties of North Carolina (Table 3). The species of phorid flies
selected for release at each locality was based on the most prevalent type of ant colonies present:
monogyne colonies with one queen or polygyne colonies with multiple queens (Table 3). P. tricuspis and
P. obtusus flies typically attack larger workers usually found in the monogyne colonies whereas P.
curvatus and P. cultellatus shows a preference for smaller workers common to polygyne colonies
(Morrison et al. 1997).
Surveys. A modified version of sticky traps developed by Puckett et
al. (2007) was used to monitor for P. obtusus and P cultellatus in
Johnston, Wake and Franklin County. The traps consist of plastic tri-stands
(used to keep the pizza from sticking to the delivery box) glued
to 60 x 15 mm plastic petri dishes. The pizza tri-stand and sides of the
petri dishes were coated with Fluon™ to prevent the fire ants from
escaping and climbing the tri-stand. Inverted tri-stands were anchored
to the single tri-stand with Velcro, and the legs of the inverted stands
were coated with Tanglefoot® (Figure 4). Traps were placed at or
near the fire ant mounds and baited with live ants and bits of Vienna
sausages to attract phorids. Flies became ensnared in the Tanglefoot®
when they alighted to rest on the upright legs.
Following the survey work conducted in 2015 (refer to 2015
NCDA&CS BioControl & Apiary Annual Report), no additional
surveys were conducted in 2016. However, we see this as a
continuous project. We will conduct surveys in the summer of 2017 in order to assess establishment and
persistence of phorids in the release areas and also plan to assess whether the flies are dispersing to
neighboring areas. We also plan on conducting additional releases in counties where fire ants have recently
been newly detected.
Figure 4 Sticky trap for capturing
phorid flies.
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Table 3 Site information for Pseudacteon releases
County Year Species Number (estimated)
Beaufort 2000 Pseudacteon tricuspis 3000
Duplin 2002 Pseudacteon tricuspis 2973
Robeson 2003 Pseudacteon tricuspis 3849
Wayne 2004
2008
Pseudacteon tricuspis
Pseudacteon curvatus
5000
12,000
Wake 2005
2013
2013
Pseudacteon curvatus
Pseudacteon cultellatus
Pseudacteon obtusus
13,708
6096
1404
Pitt
2006
2010
2010
Pseudacteon tricuspis
Pseudacteon curvatus
Pseudacteon obtusus
3639
12,000
1100
Scotland 2007 Pseudacteon tricuspis
Pseudacteon curvatus
5206
13,008
Gaston 2009 Pseudacteon curvatus 11,000
Randolph 2011 Pseudacteon curvatus
Pseudacteon obtusus
4914
2984
Franklin 2012 Pseudacteon curvatus
Pseudacteon obtusus
9312
2417
Johnston 2014 Pseudacteon obtusus
Pseudacteon cultellatus
5077
4128
Anson 2015 Pseudacteon obtusus
Pseudacteon cultellatus
1364
9408
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References Cited
Mehdiabadi, N.J., E.A. Kawazoe, and L.E. Gilbert. 2004. Phorid fly parasitoids of invasive fire ants
indirectly improve the competitive ability of a native ant. Ecol. Entomol. 29: 621-627.
Morrison, L. W., Dall’Agilo-Holvorcem, C. G., and Gilbert, L. E. 1997. Oviposition behavior and
development of Pseudacteon flies (Diptera: Phoridae), parasitoids of Solenopsis fire ants
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Environ. Entomol. 26: 716-724.
NCDA & CS Plant Industry Division - Red Imported Fire Ant
http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/entomology/documents/ncifaquarantine.pdf (last
accessed 8 January 2016).
Porter, S.D. 1998. Host-specific attraction of Pseudacteon flies (Diptera: Phoridae) to fire ant colonies in
Brazil. Fla Entomol. 81: 423-429.
Porter, S.D., M.A. Pesquero, S. Campiolo, and H.G. Fowler. 1995. Growth and development of
Pseudacteon phorid fly maggots (Diptera: Phoridae) in the heads of Solenopsis fire ant workers
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Environ. Entomol 24: 475-479.
Puckett, R. T., Calixto, A., Barr, C. L., and Harris, M. 2007. Sticky traps for monitoring Pseudacteon
parasitoids of Solenopsis fire ants. Environ. Entomol. 36: 584-588.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Mile-A-Minute Vine Biological Control
Native to Asia, mile-a-minute vine (MAM), Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H.Gross, is a fast-growing member
of the Polygonaceae family. Hough-Goldstein et al. (2008) provided an overview of the biology and
biological control of P. perfoliata. This invader has been present in the USA since the mid-1930s. A sun-loving
annual vine, it is frequently found in riparian areas and can quickly grow over other vegetation
(Figure 5). MAM is easily identified by its key characteristics: triangular leaves, spines on the reddish-colored
stems and leaves, and a modified leaf (ochrea) that surrounds each node of the vine. Small white
flowers develop into berry-like fruit that turns a bright metallic blue. Seeds can remain viable in the soil
for up to 6 years and spread via waterways, birds, and mammals.
Rapid growth, prolific flowering, long-lived seeds, a preference for riparian areas and ability to overtop
most native plants make chemical control of MAM difficult. Biological control is often the most practical
strategy for dealing with this weed.
The USDA Forest Service and the University of Delaware initiated surveys for natural enemies in Asia,
and Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev was selected as the most promising species from China and Japan.
The weevil was tested for feeding on non-target plants, and none were found. This weevil has been
released in numerous states in the eastern United States, and is currently being reared at the Philip Alampi
Beneficial Insect Lab (PABIL) of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Adult weevils feed on the
foliage of the plant, but larvae tunnel within stems.
Figure 5 Mile-a-Minute vine overgrowing other vegetation.
Adult weevil damage can be seen on the foliage. Alleghany County weevil dispersal site, 2015.
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Surveys. Delimiting surveys have been conducted to determine the extent of MAM infestations after
populations were initially reported. These were “windshield” surveys, looking for populations along the
roadsides, or walking/wading to map infestations along stream banks. “Float” surveys were conducted
along the Mayo and Dan Rivers in Rockingham County. After weevil releases, sites have been visited at
least once annually, and delimiting surveys for weevil spread were conducted in Gates, Pasquotank, and
Alleghany Counties in 2016. When a population of MAM was found, plants were searched visually or by
tapping to dislodge insects until weevils were found. If no weevils were found, the search ended after 15
minutes.
Results and Establishment. A summary of weevil releases is shown in Table 4. Weevils have been
released in multiple years at sites with dense populations, resulting in 25 unique sites in 6 counties over a
period of 6 years.
Mile-a-minute vine is widely distributed in North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast (Figure 6).
Infestations vary in their density and size. Alleghany County has multiple streamside and roadside
infestations that range from small patches to dense thickets. Weevils have persisted at all release sites for
one or more years after release, and dispersal of almost 5km from release sites has been documented
(Figure 7).
Counties with hatch markings are infested. Letters correspond with the order in which county infestations
were reported. A = Alleghany, B = Rockingham, C = Yancey, D = Pasquotank and Gates, E = Guilford.
A
B
D
E
C
Figure 6. Mile-a-Minute infestations in North Carolina.
A
B
E
D
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Figure 7 Alleghaney County weevil releases and dispersal.
Yellow = weevil release site, blue = weevil recovery, red = MAM infestation, no weevils
recovered. Buffer zones represent 1 (black), 3 (green), or 5km (blue) from release sites.
The initial Yancey County infestation was small and appeared limited in area. Weevils are considered
established there after overwintering for at least three years, and in 2014 they were found up to 3km away
from the release site. In 2015, no plants were found at these locations. Weevils might not account for the
total disappearance of the plants. Other factors, including late frost or early season mechanical control,
contribute to the relative scarcity of MAM in some locations.
In the timberland of the northeastern counties, MAM populations line the drainage ditches that cross fields
as well as covering harvested fields. Weevils have been recovered annually at and near previous release
sites.
Rockingham County has variable MAM populations along the Mayo and Dan Rivers, popular recreational
rivers crossed by multiple power lines. The rights of way under these provide easily invaded habitat, and
seeds are readily distributed by water and wildlife.
The Guilford County infestation has been detected at only one site at this time. Weevils have persisted for
two years at this location, despite major disturbance due to highway construction during that time.
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Table 4 Releases of Rhinoncomimus latipes in North Carolina by year.
Conclusions. Mile-a-minute vine, Persicaria perfoliata is found in six or more counties in North Carolina,
and in habitats ranging from mountain valleys to the coastal plain. The biological control agent
Rhinoncomimus latipes appears to be well adapted to a variety of habitats in the state, and have
overwintered one or more years. They are becoming established and dispersing from release sites. These
results are similar to those found in areas to the north, where weevils dispersed at rates of 125m to 3.5km
per year (Hough-Goldstein et al. 2009). As weevils multiply and continue to disperse, we expect to see
increased foliar damage, decreased seed production, and reduced stands.
A poster “Biological control of mile-a-minute vine in North Carolina using the weevil Rhinoncomimus
latipes Korotyaev,” based on this work, was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society
of America, Minneapolis, MN and at the biennial EcoIPM National Ornamental Workshop,
Hendersonville, NC.
Literature Cited
Hough-Goldstein, J., E. Lake, R. Reardon, and Y. Wu, 2008. Biology and Biological Control of Mile-a-minute
Weed. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2008-10.
Hough-Goldstein, J., M.A. Mayer, W. Hudson, G. Robbins, P. Morrison, and R. Reardon. 2009.
Monitored releases of Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control
agent of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), 2004-2008. Biological Control. 51:450-457.
Poindexter, D.B. 2010. Persicaria perfoliata (Polygonaceae) reaches North Carolina. Phytoneuron. 30:
1-9.
Year County # Weevils # Locations
2011 Alleghany
Yancey
2200
200
6
1
2012 Alleghany 4800 6
2013 Alleghany 2500 3
2014 Alleghany
Guilford
Pasquotank
Rockingham
300
200
4000
500
1
1
5
1
2015 Gates
Rockingham
3000
1350
6
3
2016 Pasquotank
Rockingham
300
300
2
1
Totals 6 19,650 25 (Unique)
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Acknowledgements
A portion of this work was supported by USDA-APHIS under Biological Control Cooperative Agreement
#15-1061 with the generous support of Ron Weeks. Collaborators in 2016 have included NCDA&CS
colleagues Nancy Oderkirk, Research Specialist, Bridget Lassiter, Weed Specialist, and Andrew Allen,
Rob Baldwin, Randy Copeland, and Derreck Long, Plant Pest Specialists. Whitney Swink assisted with
maps. Thanks are due to Keith Martin, NC Park Service, and the many landowners who cooperated on
this project. Cynthia Detweiler of PABIL provided weevils for release.
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Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) Program
The CAPS program is a national, early warning pest detection network, funded through a cooperative
agreement with USDA-APHIS-PPQ for domestic surveillance of exotic plant pests. Such pests hold
economic, agricultural and/or environmental importance to North Carolina (NC) and the U.S. and
typically include plant pests that are not known to occur domestically. These surveys help safeguard our
nation’s agriculture and natural resources through early detection, especially by those pests that pass
through front-line inspections at our ports of entry. Surveys also concentrate on pests of export
significance which are of concern to our trading partners. The CAPS program follows guidelines to ensure
that data, on a continuing basis, is scientifically valid, current and reliable. The state CAPS advisory
committee helps drive and focus surveys for each state. Its core members include the State Plant Health
Director (SPHD), State Plant Regulatory Official (SPRO), Pest Survey Specialist (PSS) and the State
Survey Coordinator (SSC). Other members may be invited to provide guidance in their area of expertise.
National and/or State level surveys concentrate on three main areas of importance; entomological,
pathological or exotic weed species. All data collected from these surveys are entered into the National
Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS) before December 1st for inclusion into the Nation Plant
Board’s annual report.
Executive Summary
The 2016 North Carolina CAPS program was successful in procuring funding for CAPS and Farm Bill
surveys. Seven independent surveys were conducted throughout the state, covering 55 counties over the
course of the season. Such surveys included; mollusk, forest pests, oak commodity, grape commodity,
Asian defoliators, a phytophthoras state specific survey and solanaceous commodity. A total of twenty-eight
different exotic plant pests were surveyed from April through the end of October, with the timing
of each survey being dependent on the individual pest. All surveys were completed following the 2016
CAPS guidelines, making these survey scientifically valid for reporting data. There were no positive
detections for any of the targeted plant pests during the 2016 survey season.
The NC CAPS advisory committee held its annual meeting on June 14th, 2016. The meeting focused on
planning survey objectives for the upcoming 2017 season. All current surveys will be maintained for
2017, however ten additional plant pests will be added. Survey priorities for 2017 were determined and
survey plans were made to minimize overlap across survey programs. New survey proposals were
submitted through CAPS and Farm Bill section 10007 outlining the advisory committee’s suggestions.
All proposals have been funded for 2017 surveys.
CAPS Surveys
Three CAPS surveys were selected for the 2016 season in North Carolina; mollusk, forest pests and oak
(Figure 8). All survey and trapping were accomplished using the 2016 approved methods for CAPS.
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Figure 8 2016 CAPS survey sites
Mollusk Survey
The mollusk survey was completed in June and July at three locations; Port of Wilmington (New
Hanover County), and two tile importers (Wake County). Three exotic species of mollusk were
surveyed; giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica), Hygromiid snails (Cernuella spp.) and Leatherleaf
slugs (Veronicella spp.). The Port of Wilmington survey was done in congruence with a special
operations survey. This was a multi-departmental survey team with the help of CBP, PPQ and
NCDA&CS personnel. In total, more than 20 individuals helped complete this part of the survey,
covering major parts of port environs. Two tile importers were selected in Raleigh to survey for the
aforementioned mollusks. The Pest Survey Specialist (PPQ) and State Survey Coordinator (NCDA&CS)
worked together to complete this survey.
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Forest Pests Survey
The Forest Pest survey was completed during June and July throughout the state at thirty locations (Figure
8). Three pests were surveyed; oak splendor beetle (Agrilus biguttatus), Goldspotted oak borer (Agrilus
auroguttatus) and Asian Longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). Both Agrilus species were
surveyed with the help of our entomologist and the Biological Control Laboratory research specialist.
Both individuals have extensive experience with the cerceris wasp and have prior knowledge of ballfields
where the wasp is most prevalent throughout the state. The Asian Longhorned beetle was surveyed
utilizing declining maple near industrial parks.
Oak Commodity Survey
North Carolina completed the 2016 oak commodity survey for the following exotics; Japanese oak wilt
(Raffaelea quercivora), variegated golden tortrix moth (Archips xylosteanus), false codling moth
(Thaumatotibia leucotreta), oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea), green oak tortrix
moth (Tortrix viridana) and oak ambrosia beetle (Platypus quercivorus). Trapping for this survey began
in May and ended in September. Thirty-two locations were observed for the aforementioned pests (Table
5 and Figure 8). Monthly visits were conducted for lure replacement, sticky card collection or trap
replacement. Bi-weekly visits for the oak ambrosia beetle multi-funnel trap through the month of June
was accomplished.
Table 5 Total number of trapping locations by county for the 2016 oak commodity survey
County
No.
Locations
1 Alamance 2
2 Alleghany 3
3 Buncombe 2
4 Burke 1
5 Chatham 3
6 Clay 2
7 Haywood 2
8 Henderson 1
9 Iredell 10
10 Macon 1
11 Madison 1
12 Rutherford 1
13 Swain 1
14 Transylvania 2
Total 32
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Farm Bill Surveys
Four Farm bill surveys were conducted in conjunction with the NC CAPS program for the 2016 survey
season; Asian defoliators, grape commodity, solanaceous commodity and a phytophthoras survey.
Asian Defoliators
Six exotic plant pests under the Asian defoliators banner were surveyed for; Asian Gypsy Moth
(Lymantria dispar asiatica), Rosy Moth (L. Mathura), Nun Moth (L. monacha), Pine Tree Lappet
(Dendrolimus pini), Masson Pine Moth (D. punctatus) and Siberian Silk Moth (D. sibiricus). An
introduction of any of these exotics under this banner would have serious implications for North Carolina
forests. Host trees for these pests are considered economically important and include oak, pine, ash, elm,
maple and walnut.
A total of 12 trapping locations were placed across the state over a four-month period from June to
September (Figure 9). Monthly site visits were used to replace sticky cards and/or lures. Typical
survey sites for this survey include military installations. It was previously determined that multiple
survey locations exist on larger installations, and may include a combination of several forms of
conveyance including deep water ports with rail yards, airstrips or a combination thereof. These are
important pathways for this survey and are prioritized accordingly. All samples were collected at the
servicing of each trap and screened for the presence of target pests.
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Figure 9 2016 Asian defoliators survey sites for North Carolina.
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Grape Commodity
We surveyed for five exotic species; spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), light brown apple moth
(Epiphyas postvittana), European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), Egyptian cottonworm (Spodoptera
littoralis) and cotton cutworm (Spodoptera litura). The survey was completed using plastic delta and
bucket traps that were set in July and pulled in September. The spotted lanternfly was visually surveyed
since there is no approved trap/lure combination for this pest. Trapping for the aforementioned pests was
completed at eleven locations in five counties (Figure 10). Samples were collected at the servicing of
each trap and screened for the presence of target pests.
Figure 10 2016 Grape Commodity survey locations for North Carolina.
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Solanaceous Commodity
Three exotic plant pests of the solanaceous commodity were surveyed; tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta),
old world bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and golden twin spot moth (Chrysodeixis chalcites). Since
North Carolina has host material, climate and pathways to support these exotics in our state and since all
are regarded as being highly destructive pests of solanaceous crops, they pose a significant threat to North
Carolina agriculture.
Helicoverpa armigera is found in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Oceana. In early 2013,
in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, both larvae and moths were collected from infested Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) cotton fields, and were later confirmed through molecular characterization as being H.
armigera. Old world bollworm was recently detected in Puerto Rico in September of 2014 and most
recently in Florida in 2015 as an isolated incident. This pest is known for quickly developing levels of
resistance to commonly used insecticides, including resistance to transgenic crops using Bt. Capable of
long distance migration, it may adapt to environmental conditions if it becomes too warm or dry.
Economically, it is one of the costlier pests and reports of serious losses up to 100% are common in
infested areas. Early detection and identification of this pest will limit spread to the natural environment
and aid in eradication.
In all, 30 sites spread across 8 counties were chosen for this survey (Figure 11). Samples were collected
from all traps and were later screened for the presence of target pests during the month of October by the
SSC with assistance from a taxonomic expert hired to help with this project. The taxonomic expert
performed all necessary dissections to rule out positive identifications for Helicoverpa armigera (Table
6). Dissections were completed on 185 suspect individuals with no positive determinations.
Table 6 Total number of dissections for old world bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
from suspect samples taken during the 2016 solanaceous survey. Five of the eight counties produced suspect
specimens.
County No. Dissections
Swain 108
Haywood 21
Henderson 6
Sampson 26
Rowan 24
185
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Figure 11 2016 Solanaceous survey locations for North Carolina.
Phytophthora
North Carolina conducted a Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae survey during 2016. Both
pathogens pose a significant threat to North Carolina forests and nurseries. Phytophthora kernoviae, also
known as phytophthora leaf blight, is not known to occur in the U.S., but does infect important plant
species including; Quercus, Magnolia, Rhododendron and Pieris. Phytophthora ramorum, also known
as sudden oak death, has been present along parts of the Pacific Northwest since the mid-1990s and is
found intermittently in Southeastern states, including NC. The primary pathway is from trade of infected
ornamental plants. Since both pathogens share common hosts and affect stem and leaf tissue, a survey
was developed to include both for improved efficiency. To date, close to 70 survey sites have been
visited that include, “big box” retailers, nurseries and stream side vegetation surveys (Figure 12). Thirty-nine
suspect samples were screened for the presence of Phytophthora spp. of which two samples tested
positive. These positive samples were then forwarded to Kansas State University-Manhattan Diagnostic
Laboratory for further diagnostics. Both positive samples tested negative for our targets. This survey is
still ongoing.
A gap in our knowledge and understanding of which Phytophthora spp. currently infect NC nurseries
and natural environs exists and we look to close this gap in future farm bill funding. Identification of
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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such species as it relates to location and plant material being infected will aid in discerning high risk
areas for these important plant pathogens and present an opportunity in potentially describing rare,
unknown or not known to occur in NC plant pathogenic phytophthoras.
Figure 12 2016 Phytophthoras survey locations for North Carolina.
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Entomological Programs
The following report summarizes the primary activities and accomplishments of the NCDA&CS
Entomological Programs in 2016. With the decision to fully quarantine the entire state of North Carolina
for emerald ash borer in 2015, we stopped our trapping for the pest in 2016. Additionally, the Walnut
Twig Beetle Program was adopted by our Plant Pathologist as the insect vectors a pathogen that is the
actual cause of tree mortality so the program is discussed in greater detail in the plant pathology report.
Sweet Potato Weevil Program
North Carolina’s sweet potato production continues to increase as demand for sweet potatoes increases in
the national and international markets. The success of the sweet potato industry in NC is attributed to
several factors including an efficient marketing strategy and strong research programs at state universities
aimed at developing new and better varieties of sweet potatoes. Additionally, at NCDA&CS Plant
Industry Division, we manage an intensive regulatory program intended to keep the sweet potato weevil
(Cylas formicarius; SPW), the most important pest of sweet potatoes in the world, out of the production
areas in NC. SPW is a pest of regulatory concern that can significantly affect the NC sweet potato industry
by 1) reducing yields in affected fields, 2) damaging the quality of infested sweet potatoes, 3) increasing
the production cost for farmers, and 4) imposing restrictions to the movement of sweet potato from
affected to non-affected areas in NC and outside of NC.
Our mission at NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division is to implement effective plant pest programs to reduce
the risk of accidental introductions of SPWs into the NC sweet potato production areas and to mitigate
and eradicate weevil populations that might have been introduced to the state in order to protect the NC
sweet potato industry. Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) of weevil detections is instrumental
for a successful eradication program. Our most important tool for EDRR is surveys. Every year, surveys
are conducted throughout the state using traps baited with lures containing a female-produced pheromone
that attract male sweet potato weevils. These traps are deployed in production fields, regulatory sites
including but not limited to storage, processing and packing facilities, micropropagation greenhouses,
and/or any other sites where regulated articles for sweet potato weevil are found. Traps are also deployed
in the NC sweet potato weevil quarantine area in New Hanover and Brunswick counties to monitor
potential movement of sweet potato weevils into the production areas and to conduct research.
Field Surveys
Field surveys were conducted from early August to mid-September 2016 in 50 counties primarily in
eastern North Carolina. 12,642 traps were set in 11,278 fields in approximately 93,520 reported acres
(Table 7). Trap set was done following the established guidelines and protocols developed by the Southern
Plant Board (SPB) in 1995. Traps were deployed at a minimum of one trap per 10 acres with a minimum
of two traps per field (exceptions were made if a field was under two acres). Conventional green boll
weevil traps were used because of their low cost (Figure 13-A). Traps were deployed at an average density
of one trap for every 6.74 acres and left in the field for an average of 28.95 days. These values are in
accordance with the established SPB sweet potato weevil survey guidelines. Custom made georeferenced
pdf (GeoPdf) maps were used in mobile devices (iPad minis) to navigate and locate sweet potato fields
and to collect data including time and date of trap set, field type (reported, unreported and absent) and
coordinates (latitude and longitude) for each trap set. Data collected during the trap pull process include
the trap condition (lost, damage, good) and the number of weevils found. No weevils were found in field
surveys during this period in 2016.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Table 7 Summary of the 2016 sweet potato weevil field surveys in NC.
County
Reported
Acres
Mapped Fields Traps Set
Acres per
Trap
Mean No. of days
in the field
Anson 0.02 1 1 0.02 30
Beaufort 504.9 10 14 36.06 49
Bertie 1396.37 66 105 13.30 24.5
Bladen 428.63 53 75 5.72 29.5
Brunswick 10 3 4 2.50 29
Cabarrus 1.89 3 3 0.63 24
Camden 3 1 2 1.50 29
Carteret 56.5 5 9 6.28 25
Chowan 295.3 27 50 5.91 28.5
Columbus 1839.07 224 237 7.76 30
Craven 591.93 62 71 8.34 28.5
Cumberland 2222.23 184 240 9.26 28.5
Duplin 4749.22 445 658 7.22 28
Edgecombe 9092.34 926 1133 8.03 29
Forsyth 24.58 9 8 3.07 25
Franklin 57 9 16 3.56 28
Granville 60.43 20 21 2.88 28
Greene 5530.94 561 710 7.79 33.5
Guilford 23.4 3 2 11.70 25
Halifax 768.78 123 127 6.05 28
Harnett 2535.76 371 368 6.89 28
Hertford 162.64 64 98 1.66 24
Hoke 245.46 6 18 13.64 27.5
Hyde 141.45 6 15 9.43 46
Johnston 10725.2 1602 1556 6.89 32.5
Jones 204.76 17 24 8.53 26
Lee 24.9 7 12 2.08 23
Lenoir 2954.84 312 349 8.47 31.5
Martin 1027.15 81 105 9.78 26.5
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County
Reported
Acres
Mapped Fields Traps Set
Acres per
Trap
Mean No. of days
in the field
Montgomery 65.93 11 10 6.59 36
Moore 47.86 12 11 4.35 23
Nash 10333.15 1533 1704 6.06 34
Northampton 160.04 10 22 7.27 24.5
Onslow 391.51 39 48 8.16 24
Orange 1.43 1 1 1.43 22
Pasquotank 33.41 6 8 4.18 27
Pitt 3431.8 401 484 7.09 33
Richmond 38.2 3 4 9.55 24
Robeson 1494.99 118 162 9.23 30
Rockingham 3.5 1 2 1.75 25
Sampson 13469.91 1339 1714 7.86 27
Scotland 267 12 23 11.61 27
Stokes 21.95 15 22 1.00 27.5
Tyrrell 5.5 2 4 1.38 39
Vance 8 1 2 4.00 28
Wake 902.08 145 126 7.16 27.5
Warren 36.42 5 5 7.28 28
Wayne 6534.83 817 923 7.08 35.5
Wilson 10591.03 1604 1334 7.94 34.5
Yadkin 1.75 2 2 0.88 26
TOTAL 93518.98 11278 12642 6.741 28.952
1Average acres per trap.
2Average number of days in the field across all counties.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
38
Regulatory sites
Sweetpotato regulatory sites include but are not limited to storage facilities, processing plants,
micropropagation units and greenhouse operations growing ornamental sweetpotatoes and were
surveyed all year long. Because of the inter- and intra-state movement of sweetpotatoes these regulatory
sites are a high risk pathway for the introduction of sweetpotato weevil. Universal moth traps (or bucket
traps) were used instead of the conventional green boll weevil traps in the field because of the higher
trapping efficiency (Figure 13-B). For these operations, a minimum of two (one inside and one outside)
and a maximum of four traps were set per operation. Traps were placed in strategic locations where
sweetpotatoes are stored and/or in and around the locations outside the buildings were sweetpotatoes are
loaded or unloaded. Lures were changed in each trap once a month and data collection was done using
the same procedure detailed for the field surveys. A total of 220 regulatory sites were surveyed and no
weevils were found in storage facilities during the 2016 season.
A) Green boll weevil trap baited with sweet potato weevil lure used to survey sweet potato fields and, B)
Universal Green Moth Trap used to survey in storage facilities and the NC sweet potato quarantine area.
Sweet Potato Weevil Eradication (Phase 1 – in progress)
NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division was awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant (USDA Farm Bill 2014)
to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of sweet potato weevil populations in the quarantine
area of North Carolina with the eventual goal of eradicating the pest entirely from the state. The project
began in 2015 with the setup of a detection grid consisting of 398 universal moth traps in a hexagonal
grid pattern. Using the results of the 2015 detection grid a delimiting grid consisting of 325 traps was
set up in January 2016 and traps were checked weekly from February through the end of the year
(Figure 14). 12,708 data points were collected from weekly trap checks. From this information, we
improved our knowledge of where the weevil populations are clustered in New Hanover and Brunswick
counties.
A B
Figure 13 Sweet potato weevil traps.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
39
a) b)
Figure 14 Sweet potato weevil quarantine area delimiting grids.
a) New Hanover County (Carolina and Kure Beaches) and b) Brunswick County (Caswell Beach)
In addition to weekly trapping, we began to map host populations in the quarantine area. Since there are
no sweetpotatoes produced in the area, the weevils feed on an alternative host, morning glory
(Convolvulaceae). The host mapping project is still ongoing but we plan to use the information collected
during this survey coupled with the highly specific data on weevil population hotspots to target areas for
IPM treatments (e.g. sterile male releases, biocontrol, pesticides) in order to eradicate this pest from the
state. Actual eradication will come in Phase 2 of the project which we plan to initiate sometime in the
not-too-distant future.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
40
European Gypsy Moth Program
2015 Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread and Eradication Program
In 2016 NCDA&CS, in cooperation with USDA-APHIS-PPQ, USDA-Forest Service (USFS), and the
Slow the Spread (STS) Foundation, carried out an extensive trapping, treatment, regulatory, and alternate
life stage survey program aimed at detection and eradication of European gypsy moth (EGM), a major
invasive pest of hardwood trees. The program in North Carolina is divided into two different areas, STS
and Eradication, as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 North Carolina Gypsy Moth Program Boundaries 2016
Trapping
A total of 12,939 traps were set in 95 counties in North Carolina from April to June 2015 and removed
from July to September 2015. Traps were baited with disparlure, the female-produced sex pheromone of
gypsy moth (2-methyl-7R, 8S-epoxy-octadecane). Trap locations and data were recorded in iPad units. A
total of 2,021 adult gypsy moth males were captured in 915 positive traps in North Carolina in 2015.
Positive catches were confirmed by the state entomologist and entered into the gypsy moth trapping
database at Virginia Tech. Final results of these surveys are shown in Table 8 and Figure 16.
Male moth captures in 2016 were significantly higher than in the last two years, with three distinct
pockets of high captures along the Virginia-North Carolina border (Figure 16). Blown-in male moths
from a breakout year in Virginia may explain the increase. Six treatments and multiple delimiting grids
are proposed for 2017 to follow up in high-capture locations.
Per 2016 USDA-APHIS-PPQ protocol as stipulated in the cooperative agreement (16-8237-0864-CA),
trapping surveys were conducted in the Eradication area (all non-STS area) as shown in Figure 15. Delta
traps were set in an area-wide grid of 1 trap per 3 kilometers, with some areas being trapped at one trap
per 500 or 1000 meters if there was a suspected EGM population. Funding provided by USDA-APHIS-PPQ
was used to employ 13 temporary employees, buy the necessary survey supplies (including traps,
lures, iPads, and office supplies), and for operational expenses (including fuel and maintenance for survey
vehicles). Additionally, funding from USFS was used to hire two temporary employees who monitored
traps close to areas treated in 2016 in the Eradication area, purchase supplies, and for operational expenses
associated with this work.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Figure 16 North Carolina gypsy moth trap catches in 2016.
In the STS area, 7 contractors set traps in 25 bid units, according to site data provided by the STS
Foundation in cooperation with Virginia Tech. Delta traps were set in an overall grid of 1 trap per 2
kilometers along the northern portion of the STS area; all other portions of the STS area were trapped at
a density of 1 trap per 3 kilometers. Locations with high catches the previous year or areas under evaluation
from treatments in previous years were surveyed in a 500-meter or 1000-meter grid utilizing either high-density
milk carton traps or delta traps.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Table 8 2015 EGM survey results in North Carolina by county.
County Total Traps Total Positive Total Catch
Alamance 125 53 78
Alexander 77 4 4
Alleghany 157 31 38
Anson 149 25 33
Ashe 240 66 107
Avery 57 8 10
Beaufort 238 2 2
Bertie 309 7 7
Bladen 237 1 1
Brunswick 268 8 31
Buncombe 151 34 43
Burke 170 18 36
Cabarrus 103 20 24
Caldwell 125 21 25
Camden 159 9 9
Carteret 114 3 3
Caswell 334 97 143
Catawba 119 3 3
Chatham 197 55 74
Cherokee 98 1 1
Chowan 89 3 3
Clay 38 0 0
Cleveland 133 13 15
Columbus 238 5 5
Craven 171 3 3
Cumberland 206 6 7
Currituck 239 17 20
Dare 477 55 616
Davidson 153 73 104
Davie 75 53 93
Duplin 234 2 2
Durham 120 22 24
Edgecombe 149 6 6
Forsyth 140 93 221
Franklin 380 26 33
Gaston 105 6 6
Gates 256 41 94
Graham 38 0 0
Granville 395 132 323
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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County Total Traps Total Positive Total Catch
Greene 77 0 0
Guilford 202 114 199
Halifax 452 30 34
Harnett 173 8 9
Haywood 97 14 15
Henderson 85 11 18
Hertford 228 17 18
Hoke 103 9 10
Hyde 131 1 1
Iredell 176 20 22
Jackson 104 10 10
Johnston 227 5 6
Jones 115 0 0
Lee 74 10 10
Lenoir 110 2 2
Lincoln 85 3 4
Macon 98 5 6
Madison 108 1 1
Martin 130 2 2
McDowell 91 6 7
Mecklenburg 163 3 3
Mitchell 58 15 17
Montgomery 133 36 43
Moore 125 11 13
Nash 178 9 9
New Hanover 71 1 2
Northampton 360 44 54
Onslow 185 2 2
Orange 206 61 78
Pamlico 93 3 3
Pasquotank 154 1 2
Pender 267 5 6
Perquimans 154 4 4
Person 331 45 56
Pitt 189 0 0
Polk 54 1 2
Randolph 242 70 83
Richmond 119 13 15
Robeson 262 5 5
Rockingham 423 294 856
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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County Total Traps Total Positive Total Catch
Rowan 148 44 63
Rutherford 148 4 6
Sampson 266 1 1
Scotland 87 8 9
Stanly 114 28 30
Stokes 350 317 1238
Surry 371 281 1086
Swain 39 0 0
Transylvania 55 13 22
Tyrrell 86 0 0
Union 182 6 6
Vance 558 190 331
Wake 248 19 19
Warren 574 114 161
Washington 97 0 0
Watauga 97 36 56
Wayne 169 0 0
Wilkes 309 98 125
Wilson 116 3 3
Yadkin 115 81 184
Yancey 72 16 21
Total 17,897 3,172 7,235
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
45
Treatments
Four mating disruption treatments were conducted in North Carolina in 2015, all in cooperation with the
USDA-Forest Service in the STS area (Figure 17 and Table 9). Each site received one dose of Disrupt II
pheromone flakes at a rate of 6 grams per acre. These sites will be trapped in 2017 to determine the
efficacy of the treatments. Four sites within the STS area were treated either once or twice aerially with
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), due to the presence of alternate life stages at those sites, for a
total of 5,372 acres in that area. In the Eradication area one location – Buxton, in Dare County – was
treated twice aerially with Gypchek (totaling 2,956 acres), a product that contains a gypsy moth-specific
virus. At that same site two small ground treatments with Btk were also performed to prevent a repeat
defoliation at that site (totaling 60 acres). Two other sites in the Eradication area in Pender and
Jones/Onslow Counties were treated twice aerially with Btk (totaling 3,850 acres). A total of 35,019
acres were treated for gypsy moth in North Carolina in 2016.
Figure 17 2015 EGM treatment sites (red) along with delimiting grids and all other traps set.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Table 9 2016 gypsy moth mating disruption treatment rate, site location, and acreage.
(For product, MD = mating disruption and Btk = Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.)
Site name County Product
Number of
Applications
Acres in
Block
Total Acres
Treated at
Site
Roaring Gap Alleghany/Stokes MD 1 17,811 17,811
Leasburg Caswell MD 1 1,390 1,390
Leasburg Caswell Btk 1 448 448
Ringgold Caswell Btk 2 1,700 3,400
Yanceyville Caswell Btk 2 186 372
Yanceyville Caswell MD 1 1,785 1,785
Buxton Dave Gypchek 2 1,478 2,956
Buxton Dare Btk ground 2 30 60
Maysville Jones/Onslow Btk 2 940 1,880
Nashville Nash MD 1 440 440
Spring Hope Nash MD 1 530 530
Topsail Pender Btk 2 985 1,970
Northwest Eden Rockingham MD 1 825 825
Ruffin Rockingham Btk 2 576 1,152
Regulatory
The gypsy moth program also seeks to mitigate the risk of artificial introduction and spread through a
comprehensive regulatory program. An area that is generally infested is quarantined so that the movement
of certain high-risk articles, such as logs, outdoor household articles, and nursery plants, is strategically
restricted per USDA-APHIS-PPQ regulations. In North Carolina, Currituck and a small portion of Dare
Counties were quarantined in 1988. A map of the North Carolina gypsy moth quarantine area is shown in
Figure 18.
Regulated articles may be moved from quarantined to non-quarantined areas if the appropriate personnel
undergo training and submit to the stipulations of a Compliance Agreement with NCDA&CS. These
compliance agreements require inspection and/or treatment of articles to ensure that they are free of
gypsy moth life stages. A number of businesses and individuals received training for new staff and
several new Compliance Agreements were issued.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
47
Public education efforts are also an important part of the regulatory program. Staff visits NC Cooperative
Extension and NC Forest Service offices to update county personnel on program changes. Also, program
personnel monitor all high-risk locations in the STS program area by the placement and removal of traps.
The regulatory program is enduring a time of transition as USDA-APHIS-PPQ, the federal granting
agency, has steadily decreased gypsy moth regulatory grants. NCDA&CS’ dedicated regulatory position
no longer exists, though the person who previously held that post has assumed different responsibilities
on our staff and remains able to assist with gypsy moth regulatory tasks. The future character of the
program will be determined in part by USDA-APHIS-PPQ funding for this program.
Figure 18 Gypsy moth quarantine in North Carolina shown in red.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
48
Blueberry Export Certification Program
The blueberry maggot (Figure 19; Rhagoletis mendax; BBM) is a serious pest of both lowbush and
highbush blueberries. Infestations of this pest lead to unmarketable berries, reductions in yield, and
increased production costs. The maggot is native to eastern North America and is found in the eastern
United States, including North Carolina. While native to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince
Edward Island, the pest was detected in Ontario and Quebec in the mid-1990s—two regions where the
maggot had not previously been known to exist. As a result, Canada regulates R. mendax to prevent spread
of BBM into provinces that are currently free of this pest. The Blueberry Certification Program (BCP)
was initiated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 1999 to facilitate the movement of fresh
blueberries while managing the risk of further spread of the blueberry maggot into non-infested areas of
Canada.
a) b)
a) adult; b) larva inside blueberry (Photos by Rufus Isaacs, MSU)
In North Carolina, we currently have 53 blueberry farms located in four southeastern NC counties (Bladen,
Duplin, Pender, and Sampson) participating in the Blueberry Certification Program. In 2016, two new
farms were added to the program and two were removed from the program, keeping the total the same
from 2015 to 2016. In previous years, new certificates were ordered and printed through Correction
Enterprises at a cost of $353.64/3000 certificates. This year we switched to using the NCDA&CS print
shop at a cost of $7.97/3000 certificates. In addition to monetary savings, we were able to have new
certificates ordered, printed, and delivered within two weeks as opposed to the previous six-week
timeframe.
On May 13, 2016, we mailed out the annual blueberry maggot flight letter informing all growers in the
program that they should begin their internal audits. In past years, growers have utilized a hot water
method to test for the presence of BBM, but as of June 2015, all growers are required to perform a brown
sugar or salt flotation test on their berries every three days starting from when they receive their flight
letter until they are done packing and shipping for the season. The flotation test involves soaking two
pints of gently crushed berries in either a sugar or salt solution for 10 minutes to observe whether any
maggots float to the surface (Figure 20; the complete method can be found at
http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/Plant/entomology/BlueberryCertificationProgram.htm).
Beginning the first week of June, NCDA&CS Plant Protection personnel began traveling to each farm to
perform the annual regulatory audit. The NCDA&CS audit consists of performing the flotation test and
checking the calendar spray treatment and/or trapping records (if utilizing IPM) to ensure the growers are
following the CFIA BCP regulations. Every single grower in the program elected to use the salt solution
a)
Figure 19 Blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax):
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
49
(as opposed to the brown sugar solution). The results were negative for all audits performed (both internal
and regulatory). Four of the farms had no crop this year as a result of a late freeze. One farm finished
their packing for the season before NCDA&CS personnel arrived to perform the audit so their records
were copied for our files, but no regulatory audit was performed.
a) b)
In the past we have utilized paper forms for recording information for the regulatory audits. This year,
we switched to using a fillable form on the iPads. This improved the rate at which the data (spray records,
internal audit dates, etc.) could be recorded as well as increased organization as the forms could be emailed
immediately upon completion of each regulatory audit ensuring all of the records are kept in one place.
In 2017 the plan is to refine the BCP application that each grower is required to submit each year. In
addition to the name and contact information of the owner of the establishment, applicants will be
requested to provide the name and contact information of the person who will be performing the internal
audits. This will help improve communication and assist us with locating information that may be missing
from the internal audit forms. One issue that occurred this past year was that some growers aren’t keeping
their spray records with their internal audit records despite the fact that the audit forms require this
information. This led to some running around to track down the spray records. We will continue to stress
the importance/necessity of keeping this information together and having it readily available upon request.
We will have a table at the 2017 Blueberry Open House & Trade Show to provide information about the
Blueberry Certification Program and the role NCDA&CS plays in assisting growers in getting their
blueberries safely and smoothly to Canada.
Figure 20 Blueberry maggot salt flotation test
a) blueberries soaking in salt water solution for 10 minutes; b) close-up of flotation test
showing potato masher used to gently crush berries. (Photos by Whitney Swink, NCDA&CS)
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
50
Walnut Twig Beetle Program (Thousands Cankers Disease of Walnuts)
The walnut twig beetle (Pityopthorus juglandis) is a vector of a serious disease of forest trees affecting
primarily black walnuts (Juglans nigra) and butternuts (Juglans cinerea) called thousand cankers
disease (Geosmithia morbida; TCD). Our plant pathologist, Leah Roberts, currently runs the TCD
program and the work done on the program is covered in the plant pathology section of the NCDACS-PID-
PPS annual report.
Imported Fire Ant Program
The Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) (IFA) continues to be a serious pest in the southern United
States with infestations occurring in eleven states. North Carolina is on the leading edge of the expanding
range of fire ants. Currently, 74 of North Carolina’s 100 counties are either partially or entirely infested.
NCDA&CS’ objective is to prevent the artificial spread of IFA from infested areas to non-infested areas
through regulatory actions.
Surveys and Blitzes
Drive-by surveys were conducted in 20 counties in NC (Table 10). Data was collected using GPS units
and included new IFA mounds and established sites. The category “Absent” was also added and
indicates sites with no mounds reported. It was used as a way to show the areas surveyed in all counties
(negative controls).
As a result of surveys conducted in 2015 and 2016 within the state, the following counties were
quarantined at the end of 2016: Burke (partial), Catawba (entire), Northampton (entire), Rowan (entire)
and Rutherford (entire). Catawba, Northampton, Rowan, and Rutherford were previously under partial
quarantine. Additional areas will be considered for quarantine expansion in 2017 utilizing the data
collected from the 2016 surveys.
Blitzes were also conducted, as part of the IFA regulatory program in NC, in four locations across the
state to enforce that operations moving regulated articles outside the quarantine area in NC are in
compliance with federal and state regulations. A total of 40 blitzes were conducted during Spring and
Fall 2016 from March 1 to March 30 and August 30 to September 28, respectively, at the weigh stations
in Halifax (I-95 corridor in Halifax County), Lumberton (I-95 corridor in Robeson County), Mt. Airy (I-
74 Corridor in Surry County), and Hendersonville (I-26 corridor in Henderson County) (Table 11). One
hundred eighteen (118) were stopped, of which 67 were stopped at the Halifax weigh station, 38 at the
Lumberton weigh station, 6 at the Mount Airy station, and 7 at the Hendersonville weigh station. Drivers
were asked if they were transporting IFA regulated articles. Soil samples from 30 vehicles were collected
and processed from regulated articles such as potted plant containers and trees, and the samples were sent
for chemical analysis (NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division Laboratory) to determine the levels
of bifenthrin or any other approved pesticides as required by the federal and state regulations. All samples
but one showed detectable levels of bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, fenoxycarb, fipronil,
hydramethylon, methoprene, pyriproxyfen and/or tefluthrin in compliance with the levels required by state
and/or federal regulations. PPQ personnel assisted in all but one of these blitzes.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
51
Table 10 2016 IFA Survey Results
County Areas Surveyed Regulatory Action
Recommended (*)
Absent Established
sites
New
observation
Total
Alamance North of I-40 to county
line
No action 998
9 1007
Alexander 5 mile strip from the 2015
quarantine line
No action 2
2
Buncombe Entire county No action 135
135
Catawba 5 mile strip from the 2015
quarantine line
Expansion 1/17 36 4 3 43
Davie 5 mile strip from the 2015
quarantine line
No action 13
4 17
Granville North of quarantine line to
VA border
No action 223
20 243
Guilford North of I-40 to county
line
No action 434 1 435
Haywood Entire county No action 160
160
Henderson Entire county No action 9 1
10
Iredell North of I-40 to county
line
No action 37
9 46
Jackson Entire county No action 197 2 2 201
McDowell Entire county No action 49
49
Orange North of I-40 to county
line
No action 293
3 296
Person E/SE of Hwy 49 No action 273
273
Rowan 5 mile strip from the 2015
quarantine line
Expansion 1/17 40
8 48
Rutherford From 2015 quarantine line
to county line
Expansion 1/17 11
11
Swain Entire county No action 101 1
102
Transylvania Entire county No action 34 1
35
Vance North of quarantine line to
VA border
No action 343
25 368
Warren North of quarantine line to
VA border
Possible addition
1/18
328 2 76 406
Total 3716 11 160 3887
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
52
Table 11 2016 NC Imported Fire Ant blitzes summary
Date Location Trucks
stopped
Soil
samples
collected
1 March 2016 Halifax weigh station 11 4
2 March 2016 Halifax weigh station 11 5
8 March 2016 Halifax weigh station 14 8
9 March 2016 Halifax weigh station 9 2
15 March 2016 Lumberton weigh station 13 3
16 March 2016 Lumberton weigh station 8 2
22 March 2016 Mt Airy weigh station 3 0
23 March 2016 Mt Airy weigh station 2 0
29 March 2016 Hendersonville weigh station 2 0
30 March 2016 Hendersonville weigh station 2 1
30 August 2016 Halifax weigh station 5 0
31 August 2016 Halifax weigh station 7 3
6 September 2016 Halifax weigh station 7 1
7 September 2016 Halifax weigh station 3 1
13 September 2016 Lumberton weigh station 9 0
14 September 2016 Lumberton weigh station 8 0
20 September 2016 Mt. Airy weigh station 1 0
21 September 2016 Mt. Airy weigh station 0 0
27 September 2016 Hendersonville weigh station 1 0
28 September 2016 Hendersonville weigh station 2 0
Totals: 401 118 30
1Corresponds to 20 days and two blitzes per day.
Cotton Boll Weevil Program
Field surveys for the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) were coordinated and carried out by the
Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina. In 2016, a total of 274,202 acres were reported in
50 North Carolina counties (Table 12). NCDA&CS Plant Industry staff surveyed cotton gins (n=51) and
cotton processing facilities in 30 counties (Table 13) using conventional cotton boll weevil traps, similar
to those used for sweet potato weevil field surveys. Traps were baited with a male specific sex pheromone
and checked once a month. No boll weevils were found in North Carolina during the 2016 growing
season.
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North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Table 12. 2016 reported cotton acreage in North Carolina by county.
County Acreage County Acreage County Acreage
Anson 2,575 Greene 755 928 928
Beaufort 7,270 Halifax 39,185 5,640 5,640
Bertie 15,526 Harnett 5,639 5,403 5,403
Bladen 10,592 Hertford 7,839 2,663 2,663
Brunswick 335 Hoke 6,505 6,065 6,065
Cabarrus 295 Hyde 8,593 329 329
Camden 136 Johnston 2,619 12,128 12,128
Carteret 312 Jones 4,696 1,998 1,998
Chowan 5,765 Lee 285 10,196 10,196
Columbus 1,375 Lenoir 3,358 4,733 4,733
Craven 1,827 Lincoln 126 363 363
Cumberland 3,067 Martin 22,848 343 343
Davidson 350 Montgomery 231 523 523
Duplin 1,620 Nash 1,956 5,219 5,219
Edgecombe 9,831 Northampton 32,778 2,945 2,945
Franklin 447 Onslow 1,601 3,915 3,915
Gates 9,485 Pasquotank 988
Total 274,203
Table 13. 2016 Number of cotton gin surveyed by county.
County Gins County Gins County Gins
Anson 1 Greene 1 Perquimans 1
Beaufort 1 Halifax 8 Pitt 3
Bertie 2 Harnett 2 Robeson 2
Bladen 1 Hertford 1 Rutherford 1
Chatham 1 Hyde 1 Sampson 2
Chowan 1 Jones 1 Scotland 1
Cleveland 2 Lenoir 3 Stanly 1
Edgecombe 1 Martin 1 Washington 1
Gaston 1 Nash 1 Wayne 2
Gates 1 Northampton 5 Wilson 1
2016 Annual Report
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Movement of Live Insects for Research, Commercial or Educational Purposes
The Entomological Programs Specialist evaluated 106 federal applications for PPQ 526 e-Permits in 2016.
No permits were rejected this year. The large number of applications to move insects into North Carolina
reflects the continued strong market in entomological research, commerce, and education in the state
conducted by our public and private institutions.
Table 14 Entomological quarantine summary for North Carolina in 2016.
Regulatory Species Quarantines as of December 2016
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus
planipennis)
The entire state of North Carolina was placed under quarantine in 2015.
Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Currituck County. Quarantine area remained unchanged relative to 2015.
Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis
invicta)
The quarantine was expanded to include the entirety of Catawba,
Northampton, Rowan, and Rutherford counties and a portion of Burke
County. A total of 74 counties are under entire or partial quarantine in NC.
Sweetpotato Weevil (Cylas
formicarius)
Coastal areas of Brunswick (Caswell Beach) and New Hanover (Carolina
Beach and Kure Beach) counties.
Walnut Twig Beetle
(Pityopthorus juglandis)
Haywood County. Quarantine area remained unchanged relative to 2015.
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
55
Nursery Certification Program
NCDA&CS’ Plant Protection Specialists inspected 4,250 nursery dealers and nurseries during the 2016
season. Forty (40) Stop Sale/Movement notices were issued to prevent the sale of infected or prohibited
plants. These plants were either treated, destroyed, or released after lab testing.
A license issued by the NCDA&CS is required by any person selling nursery stock in North Carolina.
Nursery stock is defined as “all wild or cultivated plants or parts thereof, trees, shrubs, vines, bulbous
plants and roots, grafts, scions and buds.” Excluded in North Carolina’s definition of nursery stock are
“annual plants; cut flowers; tree, field, vegetable, flower or other true seeds; decorative plants or plant
parts without roots not intended for propagation; and perennial plants intended for indoor use that are
produced in North Carolina.” A nursery license is required for any person growing and selling nursery
stock whereas a nursery dealer license is required for any person obtaining and re-selling nursery stock.
These licenses certify that plant material has been inspected for and is apparently free from potentially
harmful quarantine pests and must be renewed yearly.
The NCDA&CS Plant Protection Section licensed 1,293 nurseries and 2,957 nursery dealers during the
2016 calendar year (Table 15). Of the 1,293 nurseries, 642 were registered nurseries and 651 were
certified nurseries. A registered nursery has less than one acre of nursery stock and does not sell outside
the state. A certified nursery has one or more acres of nursery stock and/or sells outside the state.
The data show a slight increase in the number of nurseries and the number of acres that were certified.
This increase is believed to be a reflection of the improving economy and its impact on the nursery
industry. The nursery dealer industry remained relatively unchanged in the state continuing to offer
quality nursery stock to consumers. The increases in nursery production as well as nursery dealer stability
indicates the strength and staying power of North Carolina’s nursery industry.
Table 15 Number of North Carolina nursery and nursery dealer licenses by yearw
Calendar
Year
Number of Licenses by Category Total Number of Licenses
Registered
Nurseryx
Certified
Nurseryy
Nursery
Dealerz
Nurseries
(Registered
& Certified)
Nurseries &
Dealers
2013 515 548 2,821 1,063 3,884
2014 590 654 2,782 1,244 4,026
2015 594 612 3,188 1,206 4,394
2016 642 651 2,957 1,293 4,250
wData based on receipt of license fees.
xRegistered nursery – a location with less than once acre of nursery stock with no sales outside the state.
yCertified nursery – a location with one or more acres of nursery stock and/or sales outside the state.
zNursery dealer – a location where nursery stock is sold, usually to the end user, but not actually grown.
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The primary objective of Plant Industry’s Nursery Program is to facilitate the movement of nursery stock
while preventing the introduction and spread of quarantine plant pests into and within North Carolina. The
movement of infested nursery stock represents one of the ways plant pests may be moved from one
location to another and has the potential to directly impact both wholesale and retail nursery operations.
North Carolina works to prevent such outbreaks by coordinating with other states and the nursery industry
to bring awareness of threats to the state.
Stop sale/movement notices are issued when high levels of pests and/or prohibited plants are noted. Plants
can either be treated and/or destroyed when a stop sale/movement notice is issued. Plants can be released
for sale/movement if testing of the material confirms they are free of the suspected pest(s). During
calendar year 2015, forty (40) stop sale/movement notices were issued.
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Phytosanitary Certification Program/ 2016 Export Certification Program
Within the Phytosanitary and Export Certification Program, Plant Protection Specialists issue
phytosanitary certificates to growers and/or brokers to facilitate movement of agricultural commodities to
other states and to other countries. Phytosanitary certificates indicate that inspections and other specific
requirements of the importing states or countries have been met. State certificates are used for movement
within the United States, and federal certificates are required for movement to another country. Countries
and states vary greatly in what they require for various types of commodities such that careful research
and interpretation of requirements are needed for each request for phytosanitary certification.
A phytosanitary certificate provides documentation that a plant, plant part, or plant-based product has
been inspected and is apparently free of harmful pests. Each state and country has very specific import
phytosanitary requirements that are tailored to protect their agricultural industries and natural environment
from potentially harmful pests.
The NCDA&CS Plant Protection and Export Certification Specialists facilitate interstate and international
movement of plants, plant parts, and plant-based products by issuing both state and federal phytosanitary
certificates to North Carolina growers and brokers. State and federal phytosanitary certificates are issued
for interstate and international movement, respectively. The NCDA&CS is responsible for implementing
the state export program, while the USDA is responsible for implementing the federal export program.
However, the NCDA&CS works in collaboration with the USDA to issue federal phytosanitary
certificates to support international export of plant-based products from North Carolina.
Primary use of the USDA PCIT (Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking) System to issue federal
certificates began in October 2009. The number of federal and state phytosanitary certificates issued using
the PCIT system is included in Table 16. In 2016, NCDA&CS staff issued 7,356 federal phytosanitary
certificates and 703 state phytosanitary certificates. The number of federal phytosanitary certificates
issued in 2016 represented a 9.1% increase from 2015 figures while the number of state phytosanitary
certificates issued represented a 25.3% increase from the previous year. Federal certificates were issued
for the movement of commodities to 91 countries, while state certificates were issued for 33 states, Puerto
Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The majority of phytosanitary certificates issued were for lumber, tobacco,
cotton, cotton seed, Christmas trees, peanuts, nursery and greenhouse plants, sweet potatoes, and sweet
potato cuttings.
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Table 16 Number of phytosanitary certificates issued through the PCIT1 system2
Fiscal Year
Federal State
Plant or
Plant Part
Re-export
Processed
Plant
Product
Total Total
2009/20103 1,759 24 0 1,783 205
2010/2011 2,781 21 0 2,808 323
2011/2012 4 ,221 13 18 4,252 206
CY 20134 5,830 15 134 6,658 412
CY 2014 6,980 32 172 7,184 348
CY 2015 6,560 21 162 6,743 561
CY 2016 7,140 17 199 7,356 703
1 PCIT = Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking (USDA web based application)
2 Use of PCIT began in October 2009
3 Fiscal year data
4 Calendar year data
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Plant Conservation Program
North Carolina Plant Conservation Board
The Plant Conservation Program (PCP) meets quarterly with members of the NC Plant Conservation
Board whose seven members are appointed by the Governor and the Commissioner of Agriculture.
Members in 2016 included: Kathy Schlosser (chair) Les Hunter, Steve Henson, Alexander Krings, David
Hyatt, Jonathan Lanier, and Peter White.
Peter White of the NC Botanical Garden retired at the end of 2014; he will continue to serve pending a
Governor-appointed replacement of an NC Botanical Garden representative. Damon Waitt, the new
Director of the NC Botanical Garden attended NC Plant Conservation Board meetings in an unofficial
capacity in 2016.
In 2016, the Board completed a review of their rules and regulations (2 NCAC 48F) as per the Rules
Review Commission. Each of the twelve rules were determined “Necessary without substantive public
interest” in July. These determinations were sent for public comment, but received none. A final
determination was made for each of the twelve rules as “Necessary without substantive public interest” in
November.
The Board also completed and approved a policy titled Policies & Practices of PCP which describes the
authority to and process for PCP to acquire land for the protection of native plant species in North
Carolina. They also approved an appendix to this policy drafted by the Scientific Committee regarding
introductions, reintroductions, and augmentations of plants on PCP Preserves.
North Carolina Plant Conservation Scientific Committee
PCP meets regularly with members of the NC Plant Conservation Scientific Committee. This seven
member committee consists, primarily, of positions designated to the committee by law. Members include
Alan Weakley (chair), Dennis Niemeyer, Richard Braham, Johnny Randall, Hervey McIver, Laura
Robinson and Jerry Reynolds. Jerry Reynolds replaced long-time committee member and former chair
Alvin Braswell in 2016 following Alvin’s retirement from the NC Museum of Science.
The Committee continued work on updating the imperiled plant list following procedures and protocols
established during the last update in 2008. The Committee will suggest additions, deletions, and technical
changes once PCP staff completes necessary analyses and ensures a thorough review of any changes to
trends and threats of individual imperiled species. The committee finalized an Appendix to the Policies &
Practices of PCP which outlines the Introduction, Reintroduction, and Augmentation Policy for Practices
on PCP Preserves. These guidelines include staff-level decisions such as augmentation of existing
imperiled plant occurrences and instances where Committee or Board action is necessary. The Committee
also commenced work on developing an Appendix B to the “Practices” document which would include a
policy for public access to PCP Preserves.
Plant Conservation Preserve System
Plant Conservation Preserves are lands permanently protected for the conservation of North Carolina’s
native flora and their habitats. These Preserves are the only state-managed lands selected and designed
specifically for plant conservation purposes. The Preserve system consists of 24 Preserves distributed
across North Carolina (Figure 21). Although no new Preserves were added in 2016, additional acreage
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was added to two Preserves: Tater Hill and Cedar Mountain Bog Preserves. Two properties (Suther Prairie
and McIntosh Bay) are pending acquisition into the Preserve System (Figure 21). The former is a project
being undertaken by the Cabarrus County Soil and Water Conservation District with the plan to transfer
the property to PCP for permanent protection. The latter is a collaborative project between The Nature
Conservancy (TNC) and PCP whereby TNC has purchased the property from the private land owner and
is in the process of conducting restoration activities before selling the property to PCP. Both of these
projects are expected to close in 2017.
Although the official property closing transaction was executed in the end of 2015, the Caraway Preserve
had a ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony in April of 2016 to thank the many donors who contributed to
the protection of this property.
Figure 21 Plant conservation preserve system
Preserve Field Trips
PCP staff’s outreach efforts included public lectures, preserve field trips, and volunteer workdays. Due to
concerns about resource damage and plant poaching, PCP conducts guided preserve tours open to the
public. Access by researchers and educators is by permit only. Each trip provides participants the
opportunity to observe rare plants, while also learning more about land management and ecological
stewardship. Staff scheduled tours on preserves in 2016 and responded to various requests for tours and
public presentations. Six guided tours were conducted at Caraway, Butner Cedar Glade, Tater Hill, Eno
Diabase Sill, Hebron Road, and Redlair reaching citizens across the state. Three additional scheduled
preserve tours were unfortunately cancelled due to bad weather at Cedar Cliff Mountain, Paddy Mountain,
and Boiling Spring Lakes Preserves.
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Land Conservation Funding
PCP staff did not prepare grant applications to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) in
2016. However, we were represented in partner applications for fee simple purchases that would be
transferred to PCP as new Preserves or additions to Preserves. In 2015, PCP submitted five applications
to CWMTF and received funds for each of them. In 2016, PCP staff worked closely with the NCDA&CS
Property and Construction Office to carry out each of these contracts with closings occurring at Cedar
Mountain Bog and progress made on each of the remaining contracts. Active contracts in 2016 include:
• Additional property acquired at Bat Fork Bog Preserve (Henderson Co.)
• Additional property acquired at Paddy Mountain Preserve (Ashe Co.) contract anticipated fully
executed in early 2017
• Additional property acquired at Cedar Mountain Bog Preserve (Transylvania Co.)
• Boundary adjustment at Tater Hill Preserve (Watauga Co.) contract anticipated fully executed in
early 2017
• New preserve acquisition at McIntosh Bays (Scotland Co.)
• Cabarrus Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD) submitted an application to CWMTF to
acquire Suther Prairie (Cabarrus Co.). The application was successful and closing is expected in
early 2017.
United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Partnership
The Plant Conservation Program and USFWS continued a long-standing cooperative agreement related
to the recovery of endangered and threatened species in North Carolina. Grant funds obtained under this
cooperative agreement provide critical funds to North Carolina each year. This funding covers the
program’s research specialist position. A portion of the remaining funds support PCP temporary
employees for part of the year. The funding from this partnership supports imperiled plant monitoring,
preserve management targeted towards federally-listed plant species, and regulatory programs including
protected plant permit evaluation and issuance.
Recovery Lands
USFWS annually offers its Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA) to cooperating states, this regional and
national competition awards funds to high priority conservation projects. In 2016, PCP was awarded
funding for two applications submitted in 2015: “North Carolina Mountain Bog Expansion – Swamp Pink
& Bunched Arrowhead Recovery at Bat Fork Bog, Henderson County, North Carolina,” and “Protection
of North Carolina’s only Canby’s Dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi) site McIntosh Bays – Scotland County,
North Carolina.” These funds supply necessary matching funds to our CWMTF applications for these
same two projects.
Table 17 Plant Conservation Program RLA Projects
Project Title
Existing
Preserve
Federal
RLA $
State
CWMTF $
Additional
Match $ Total acres
Bat Fork Bog yes $41,747 $36,900 -- $78,646 7.6
McIntosh Bays no $37,479 $236,356 $251,865 $525,700 260
Totals $79, 226 $273,256
$604,346 267.6
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Partnership and Outreach Projects
The Plant Conservation Program is a member of several statewide or regional conservation partnerships
and staff participates in these partnerships as time allows. The PCP has also continued to work closely in
partnership with conservation organizations and land trusts across the state in land acquisition and
management as well as regional consortiums such as the Bog Learning Network and Cape Fear Arch. Also
of note, PCP has expanded its partnerships with the NC Museum of Natural Science, the NCDA Research
Stations, and the NC Forest Service offices and personnel around the state.
In addition, staff regularly reaches out to the public with special presentations and by filling information
requests. In 2016, staff gave presentations from Transylvania County to Tyrell County for groups such as
the NC Herpetological Society, neighborhood natural history groups, Native Plant Society, NC Botanical
Garden, and for the Friends of Plant Conservation programs.
PCP staff supported and helped plan the Rare Plant Conservation Discussion Meeting in March, cohosted
by the NC Botanical Garden and the NC Zoo. These meetings provide a venue for presentation of new
research as well as to hold discussions and pose questions regarding rare plants. These meetings are
attended by faculty and students of multiple universities as well as staff from numerous state and federal
agencies and provides a good opportunity for PCP to keep current and possible partners abreast of
important news related to PCP.
Lesley Starke represented PCP at the first Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation Conference
(SePPCon) in November where she learned about additional funding and regional partnership
opportunities available to our program.
Regulatory Programs
The Program is responsible for the protection and conservation of 419 plant species across NC, of which
27 are also federally listed. Staff meets quarterly with an interagency panel to review permit requests for
projects affecting these protected plant species. PCP staff continues to review requests for permits from
individuals or institutions requesting to move or collect protected plants, including all state and federally
listed plant species. This permit requirement applies to transplant and rescue projects, nurseries which
propagate and sell protected species, public educational exhibits, as well as many scientific research
projects. The review process incorporates input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and NC Natural
Heritage Program. Sixteen protected plant permits were issued and several additional requests were
evaluated. PCP works with the Plant Protection Section to issue Certificates of Origin for protected plant
species being propagated for sale as part of the nursery inspection process carried out by inspection
specialists.
• Venus Flytrap
No new projects involving Venus Flytraps were begun in 2016. PCP staff continued to monitor repatriated
plants on PCP Preserve land which had been confiscated from poachers. The USFWS was petitioned by
a private individual in 2016 to list this species federally. PCP was not involved in this petition process but
became aware of it in collaboration with USFWS.
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• Ginseng
American Ginseng harvest and exports from North Carolina continued under regulations adopted by the
NC Plant Conservation Board. Without monitoring by PCP, harvest and export from North Carolina will
not be allowed by federal authorities who have listed this plant under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The harvest season for American ginseng is September 1st through
December 31st. The buying season for wild or wild-simulated green ginseng is September 1st through
March 31st. The buying season for wild or wild-simulated dry ginseng is September 15th through March
31st.
NCDA&CS certified over 8,400 pounds of wild collected ginseng during 2016: 8,418 pounds Dry/Wild;
1 pounds Green/Cultivated representing 25 North Carolina counties. A total of 58 ginseng dealer license
permits were issued during the 2015- 2016 season, an increase in almost 20 licenses above the previous
year.
• Galax
The sale of wild-collected Galax (Galax urceolata) is regulated in North Carolina within a stated buying
season which prohibits harvest during the early growing season to allow for new leaves to emerge and
grow. Similarly, the US Forest Service which allows for this plant to be harvested from some national
forests, has a similar harvest ban during the early growing season. In an effort to align these two seasons
to eliminate confusion, the PCP Board changed the state buying season to match that of the USFS.
Effective January 20, 2016, Galax (Galax urceolata) may only be legally bought or sold during the buying
season of June 15th through April 15th.
Figure 22 American ginseng root
2016 Annual Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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PLANT CONSERVATION PRESERVE MANAGEMENT & MONITORING ACTIVITIES
The Program continues striving to manage Preserves for the benefit of the rare plant species and habitats
present on these sites and to conduct sufficiently detailed monitoring to determine the status of rare species
at these sites. Some examples are as follows:
Preserve Management Highlights
• General
Prescribed burning is one of the most pressing management needs across the Preserve system and around
the state to enhance rare species populations and improve habitats for these species. Following new
procedures effective in 2014, staff were able to conduct 14 prescribed burns with the direct assistance of
the NCFS during this past year and continue to be responsible for all phases of burn planning and
preparation as well as mop-up after the burns were conducted. Of note, one of these burns was the first
recorded burn in a particular burn unit in the southern Piedmont with a second notable burn as a first for
PCP after taking ownership and management of a separate southern Piedmont preserve. We have been in
contact with numerous NCFS District and County offices around the state to begin further collaboration
for the upcoming year.
Mountains: Under an ongoing partnership with UNC-Asheville, Dr. Jeff Wilcox continues to monitor the
permanent wells established to monitor hydrologic conditions at Cedar Mountain Bog (Transylvania Co.)
and Ochlawaha Bog (Henderson Co.). The data collected from these bogs not only helps to inform PCP
Staff regarding the hydrology of these wetland systems, but also aids in the greater Southern Appalachian
Bog management.
Piedmont: Eno River Association (ERA) (Durham Co.): The Association owns several small parcels
important to PCP because of their location within a pollinator pathway connecting to PCP Preserves and
other important conservation lands in northern Durham County. PCP has taken the lead restoring more
open, savanna-like conditions on 3 tracts owned by the Association this year, totaling ~ six acres as part
of a contract to help promote native pollinators and simultaneously promote rare plant populations. PCP
staff created canopy light gaps and cleared brush to help prepare the ERA lands for newly planted native
species. PCP volunteers facilitated seed collection and planting efforts to prepare seedlings for this project.
East: PCP gained additional funding from USFWS in 2016 to help monitor for laurel wilt, a devastating
vascular disease impacting members of the laurel family including the common species such as redbay
(Persea borbonia), swampbay (Persea palustris), and northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) but also
imperiled species such as pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) and pondspice (Litsea aestivalis). PCP Staff
collaborated with the forest health branch of the NCFS to develop a monitoring protocol to survey for
laurel wilt near the two preserves with these listed species: Pondberry Bay and Big Pond Bay. The funding
will also allow for PCP to purchase a fungicide approved for (pre)treating impacted plants if this disease
were to be located in close proximity to the preserves. Treatment of already impacted plants is rarely
effective; however, the fungicide is only effective for approximately one year after treatment. Thus, PCP
staff are working to monitor for increased threat of the disease before applying the treatment.
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• Bat Fork Bog Preserve (Henderson Co.):
Staff began collaborating with Bridget Lassiter, PhD Weed Specialist with the Plant Industry Division, to
develop a treatment plan for optimal herbicide control methods for the highly invasive canary reed grass
(Phalaris arundinacea). PCP plans to further collaborate with Dr. Lassiter to complete comprehensive
site surveys to ascertain the presence and distribution of other exotic species of concern.
• Eno Diabase Sill Preserve (Durham Co.):
PCP staff conducted a number of different activities on the Preserve during the year. Staff spent time
thinning the midstory and burning the resulting brush to open the canopy and facilitate effective prescribed
burns. Staff and volunteers performed extensive control activities to reduce invasive species such as
Japanese stilt grass, sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), and Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) as
well as numerous other invasive plants. More than a mile of fire line was refreshed in preparation for
burning the site. A prescribed burn was conducted on approximately 10 acres to improve habitat for
imperiled species.
• Hebron Road (Durham Co.):
PCP staff hand-thinned dense woody plant growth across approximately three acres of the Preserve to
improve habitat conditions for imperiled plants. Related to the thinning activity, over 100 brush piles were
established and burned. Control lines for upcoming prescribed burns were installed around a small portion
of the Preserve and existing lines were refreshed. Considerable effort to control invasive exotic plants was
conducted by staff, focusing primarily on Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum), hairy jointgrass
(Arthraxon hispidus), and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). A volunteer workday was held to help
remove trash that had been dumped within the Preserve, mostly very old home site garbage which existed
on the property prior to PCP ownership. The trash removed filled 50 large trash bags which were carried
away by the City of Durham.
• Butner Cedar Glade (Granville Co.):
PCP staff worked to control invasive species such as non-native wisteria (Wisteria spp.), nandina
(Nandina domestica), Japanese stilt grass, and sericea lespedeza. Existing fire lines were refreshed.
• Pondberry Bay Preserve (Sampson Co.)
Considerable progress was made in prescribed burning at this Preserve. In close collaboration, NCFS and
PCP staff were able to successfully complete six controlled burns at this Preserve, totaling 390 acres.
Additionally, in December, PCP staff collaborated with NCFS and a Clinton boy scout troop to plant ~300
longleaf pine seedlings on the preserve in an area which was recently cut over to remove planted loblolly
pine.
• Eastwood Preserve (Moore Co.):
Prescribed fires were conducted across 89 acres, nearly one third of the Preserve, by Muddy Oaks
Management, LLC, under contract with PCP.
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• Boiling Springs Lakes (Brunswick Co.)
The use of mechanical mulching and midstory removal has continued in 2016 to restore former longleaf
pine savannas and flatwoods which have become heavily overgrown with shrubs. Eighty-five acres were
mulched along with 749 acres burned in collaboration with the NCFS. In many cases, the mulching
machine is used to prepare burn units to allow for a safer controlled burn by removing ladder fuels and
thus reducing the fire intensity.
In 2016, the PCP staff completed a multiyear collaborative research project with Dr. Jeff Glitzenstein,
Research Associate and Beadle Fellow at Tall Timbers Research Station in Florida, to study the effects of
mechanical restoration of pine savanna habitats at the two PCP Preserves. PCP staff received a final report
from Dr. Glitzenstein which documents many new populations of rare and imperiled plants.
• Mineral Springs Barren (Union Co.):
The first recorded prescribed burn was conducted on a 5-acre block of the Mineral Springs Barren Preserve
by the NCFS with very good results. This unit has records of state listed plants which have not been
observed in many years. PCP Staff intends to monitor in 2017 for rare plant reemergence and looks
forward to expanding the collaborative burning options at this preserve with the NCFS.
• Redlair Preserve (Gaston Co.):
PCP Staff worked to control invasive species such as wisteria, Chinese privet, autumn olive (Elaeagnus
umbellata), Japanese stilt grass, and hairy jointgrass. Staff also used chainsaws to thin trees that were
shading out rare plants in prairie-like openings. In the same vicinity, PCP staff, in collaboration with
NCFS, conducted a prescribed burn for the benefit of federally listed Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus
schweinitzii). This burn was the first conducted at this preserve since PCP acquired the property.
Rare Species Monitoring
PCP compl